Flood updates Wednesday 6 June 6pm

IMPACT OF THE WEATHER EVENT RESULTING IN SCHOOL CLOSURES FOR TOMORROW – Thursday 7 June 2012

Cann River P-12

Tambo Upper Primary School

St Mary’s Primary School – Bairnsdale

Noorinbee Primary School

IMPACT OF WEATHER EVENT ON CONTRACT SCHOOL BUS SERVICES

The impact of recent rainfall and rising water levels on a number of roads, and road closures in the Gippsland region has resulted in the following cancellation of school bus services for tomorrow, Thursday 7 June, 2012.

Since 9 AM Monday widespread rainfall totals of 100-200mm have been recorded across the Gippsland Catchments. Significant stream rises have been observed through the Gippsland Catchments with major flooding observed in many catchments. No further significant rainfall is forecast for the remainder of the week.

Based on observed peaks for the river systems, significant inflows are expected to continue flowing into the Gippsland Lakes over the next 24-48 hours with areas of flooding likely to develop further during Wednesday.

Current indications are that peak levels in the lakes will be lower than those observed in 2007 but similar to those observed in 1998 at some gauges. Peak levels in the lakes are expected to occur late Wednesday into Thursday and forecast levels will be continually revised during Wednesday. Paynesville:

Lake levels at Paynesville are currently around 0.9m (as at 1:51pm Wednesday 6 June) and slowly rising. Further rises are expected during Wednesday with a peak of around 1.2-1.4m (below 2007 peak levels) possible overnight Wednesday into Thursday. Metung:

Lake levels at Metung are currently around 0.83m (as at 3:44pm Wednesday 6 June) and steady. Levels are expected to continue to rise through Wednesday with a peak of around 1.0-1.3m (below 2007 and 1998 peak levels) possible overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

Potential Impact In Your Area

The potential local impact of this flooding in your area may include:

Widespread flooding of low lying areas

Major roads and bridges may be closed or damaged by floodwater

Floodwaters may flood some areas of towns and may enter homes

Power, water and sewerage may be cut-off

Towns and properties may be cut-off from surrounding areas

PAYNESVILLE

As minor flood level of 0.8m has been reached, expect:

Lake levels to be high and some properties on the canals to have water lapping at the revetment walls

Water over roads including Slip Rd hear Gippsland Ports Yard (access to the boat yard, Water Police and marina)

Boat ramp and car park off Milton Ave

Walking / bike path to Eagle Point

As levels reach 0.90m, expect:

At least 1 property to be affected

Water over Slip Rd at Aquarius Way and King St Boat Ramp, The Esplanade Nth of Victoria ST, Victoria St at The Esplanade

SP Ausnet have reinstated power up to the Switchyard on the Old Coast Road, two kilometres west of Cann River. Crews are continuing to clear and check lines from there. There is now also a crew working at Mallacoota.

Residents who are still without power are reminded to check any refrigerated and defrosted food before eating.

People 8who have booked accommodation in East Gippsland for the long weekend should contact their hosts to find out if recent events will affect their plans.

If you are planning to travel this long weekend, contact the local Visitor Information Centres for information and travel advice. Visit the Destination Gippsland website at www.destinationgippsland.com.au for details, or call 1800 637 060 for Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centres.

A major flood warning has been issued for Lakes Entrance, Paynesville and Metung as significant inflows are expected to continue flowing into the Gippsland Lakes. Peak levels are expected to occur later today and into Thursday. Sandbagging continues in Lakes Entrance.

A community meeting will be held in Paynesville at 6.00pm tonight to bring people up to date with the flood situation and what to expect from the high tide on the Gippsland Lakes tonight. The meeting will be held in the community hall, 55 The Esplanade, Paynesville.

A 'virtual' meeting will be held on ABC radio for Loch Sport residents immediately after the 8.00pm news tonight. Please tune in to ABC radio on 100.7FM to listen to the information.

The Mitchell River Bridge in Bairnsdale is fully open to traffic, but there are some parts of the highway near the bridge that have been impacted by floodwaters and have temporary traffic conditions in place.

Thomson River – the river exceeded the Major Flood Level at Sale Wharf this morning and is currently peaking around 4.1 metres. Major flooding is expected to continue throughout today.

Macalister River - Southern Rural Water advise that the releases from Lake Glenmaggie are currently around 34,000 ML/day below the major flood flow and falling.

Avon River – now below the moderate flood level and continues to fall. Areas of minor flooding expected to continue around and downstream of Stratford.

Tambo River – has peaked at Ramrod Creek and is now falling, but there is still substantial inundation on the Tambo River flats below Bruthen.

Snowy and Buchan Rivers – have fallen below major flood levels and continue to fall.

The South Gippsland Highway between Yarram and Sale remains closed.

The Princes Highway east of Orbost is still closed.

Parks Victoria is advising visitors not to travel into southern and eastern parts of the Alpine National Park during the lead up to or over Queens Birthday Weekend. This includes areas north of Licola and Dargo and east and north of Omeo.

Significant flooding and strong winds across Gippsland in the last week has impacted on the southern and eastern alps. Landslides, impassable river crossings and fallen trees have resulted. Parks Victoria staff have been unable to assess damage due to recent conditions and may not be able to access many remote areas until after winter.

Despite constant warnings not to drive or play in flood waters, people are still risking their own lives and those of others by continuing to do so. Please take notice of these warnings and help others to understand the dangers of playing and driving in flood waters.

Flood Community Update for East Gippsland floods

Effective Date: 06/06/12 12:40 PM Expiry Date: 06/06/12 4:00 PM

Local Information

Significant inflows are expected to continue flowing into the Gippsland Lakes over the next 24-48 hours with areas of flooding likely to develop further during Wednesday.

Peak levels in the Lakes are expected to occur later today and into Thursday.

Australian Defence Force personnel are working with SES and CFA volunteers to sandbag properties in Lakes Entrance.

Mitchell River - The Mitchell River at Bairnsdale is expected to peak soon. The river will remain above the Major Flood Level during Wednesday afternoon. The Mitchell River Bridge is currently open to traffic, but road access to the bridge is affected by flood water and is restricted to one lane.

Thomson River – Minor to moderate flooding is occurring in the Thomson River catchment. Areas of minor flooding are expected to develop around and downstream of Sale Wharf today.

Macalister River - Macalister Catchment downstream of Lake Glenmaggie: Southern Rural Water advise that the releases from Lake Glenmaggie are currently around 42,000 ML/day and falling. Major flooding is expected to continue along the Macalister River downstream of Lake Glenmaggie today.

Avon River – has peaked at Stratford, where the Princes Highway is still closed. The River fell below the major flood level around midnight and is now below the moderate flood level and continues to fall.

Merrimans Creek – The Creek at Stradbroke West peaked this morning and levels are now falling at this location. At Seaspray, the Creek is expected to experience significant stream rises and possible areas of flooding overnight Tuesday and during Wednesday.

The South Gippsland Highway between Yarram and Sale remains closed.

Tambo River – has peaked at Ramrod Creek, but there is still substantial inundation on the Tambo River flats below Bruthen.

Snowy River – areas of Minor to Major flooding are currently occurring throughout the Snowy and Buchan River catchments. This situation is expected to continue during Wednesday.

Princes Highway east of Orbost is still closed.

Power is still out from Bruthen to the NSW border. Parts of Orbost area have had power restored last night. The next challenge for SP Ausnet crews is to get to Cann River and Mallacoota.

Residents who are still without power are reminded to check any refrigerated and defrosted food before eating.

Parks Victoria is advising visitors not to travel into southern and eastern parts of the Alpine National Park during the lead up to or over Queens Birthday Weekend. This includes areas north of Licola and Dargo and east and north of Omeo.

Significant flooding and strong winds across Gippsland in the last week has impacted on the southern and eastern alps. Landslides, impassable river crossings and fallen trees have resulted. Parks Victoria staff have been unable to assess damage due to recent conditions and may not be able to access many remote areas until after winter.

Community Meetings

There will be a community meeting in Lakes Entrance this afternoon with the latest information on the flood situation and the expected high tide tonight. 4.00pm at the Mechanics Hall, corner Mechanic and Church Streets, Lakes Entrance.

Relief and Recovery Centres

Road Safety

Be aware of road hazards such as mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges

Floodwaters are dangerous - never drive, walk or ride through floodwaters

Floodwaters are toxic - never drive, walk or ride through floodwaters

Effective Date: 06/06/12 10:15 AMExpiry Date: 06/06/12 6:00 PM

Current Situation

No significant rainfall has been forecast for the remainder Wednesday.

Areas of moderate flooding are expected to continue during Wednesday into Thursday.

Macalister Catchment upstream of Lake Glenmaggie

The Macalister River at Licola peaked at 4.6 metres (Major Flood Level 3.6 metres) around 11:30 AM Tuesday. The river is currently around 3.25m and falling. The river is expected to fall below the Moderate Flood Level (3.2 metres) during Wednesday afternoon.

Macalister Catchment downstream of Lake Glenmaggie

Southern Rural Water advise that the releases from Lake Glenmaggie are currently around 34,000 ML/day below the Major Flood Flow (35,000 ML/day) and falling.

In the interests of community safety the SES suggests following precautions:

Don't walk, ride or drive through floodwater,

Don't allow children to play in floodwater,

Stay away from waterways and stormwater drains, and

Keep well clear of fallen power lines

Potential Impact In Your Area

The potential local impact of this flooding in your area may include:

Main roads may be closed and low bridges may be underwater

Floodwater may cover low lying areas

Floodwater may surround some properties or enter homes

Some homes and businesses may be cut-off by floodwater

What You Should Do

Act quickly - conditions can change rapidly

Farmers should move machinery and livestock to higher ground if it is still safe to do so

Tune in to your emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations, or SKY NEWS Television

If you are likely to become isolated, make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food

If possible, make sure your family and neighbours are aware of the situation

Floodwaters are dangerous - never drive, walk or ride through floodwaters

Macalister River – Southern Rural Water has reduced outflows from Lake Glenmaggie to 42,000 megalitres. Newry and Tinamba are no longer under threat of major flooding.

The focus today is on Lakes Entrance and other towns around the Gippsland Lakes and on Bairnsdale and surrounds as water levels continue to rise.

Holland Landing residents were issued with an emergency alert at 9.45pm last night, but all chose to remain in place.

49 ADF personnel are working on sandbagging properties in Lakes Entrance, with another 40 on the way. They will be working with SES and CFA volunteers.

The Mitchell River bridge in Bairnsdale is still open and is expected to remain at least partially open. The Lind Bridge is closed.

The Paynesville Road out of Bairnsdale was closed last night and local residents door-knocked.

Merrimans Creek – this creek runs into Seaspray, but the Wellington Shire Flood mitigation system directs it straight out to sea. There are levees in place in case of overflow which direct the water into Lake Reeve.

The South Gippsland Highway between Yarram and Sale remains closed.

Avon River – peaked at Stratford, where the Princes Highway is still closed.

Mitchell River – not expected to go beyond 2007 levels.

Tambo River – still at major flood levels.

Snowy River – at major flood level but not as high as March 2012 event.

Princes Highway east of Orbost is still closed.

Power is still out from Bruthen to the NSW border. Parts of Orbost area have had power restored last night. The next challenge for SP Ausnet crews is to get to Cann River and Mallacoota.

Residents who are still without power are reminded to check any refrigerated and defrosted food before eating.

Wednesday 6 June 2012 – 7.15am update

IMPACT OF THE WEATHER EVENT RESULTING IN SCHOOL CLOSURES FOR TODAY - Wednesday 6 June 2012

Buchan Primary School

Bruthen Primary School

Cann River P-12

Lindenow South Primary School

Meerlieu Primary School

Nowa Nowa Primary School

Nungurner Primary School

Tambo Upper Primary School

Orbost North Primary School

Orbost Primary School

Orbost Secondary College

Nicholson Primary School

Boisdale Consolidated School

IMPACT OF WEATHER EVENT ON CONTRACT SCHOOL BUS SERVICES

The impact of recent rainfall and rising water levels on a number of roads, and road closures in the Gippsland region has resulted in the following cancellation of school bus services fortoday, Wednesday 6 June, 2012.

Bairnsdale Network - whole school bus network

Sarsfield – Bairnsdale

Fernbank – Bairnsdale

Lake Tyers Beach – Bairnsdale

Bengworden – Bairnsdale

Tambo Upper – Bairnsdale

Metung – Bairnsdale

Paynesville – Bairnsdale

Mossiface – Bairnsdale

Sarsfield – Lucknow – Bairnsdale

Eagle Point- Bairnsdale

Mount Taylor – Bairnsdale

Bruthen – Bairnsdale

Lake Bunga – Bairnsdale

Mt Lookout/E Bairnsdale – Bairnsdale

Orrs Road/East Bairnsdale – Bairnsdale

Buchan – Bairnsdale

Tambo Upper – Bairnsdale

Woodglen – Bairnsdale

Flaggy Creek – Bairnsdale

Paynesville – Bairnsdale

Lakes Entrance – Kalimna – Bairnsdale

Granite Rock – Bairnsdale

Lindenow South – Bairnsdale

Lakes Entrance – Bairnsdale

Paynesville (3) – Bairnsdale

Orbost – whole school bus network

Loch End – Orbost

Cape Conran – Marlo – Orbost

Nowa Nowa – Wairewa – Orbost

Bete Belong –Nth – Jarrahmond – Orbost

Bemm River – Cabbage Tree - Orbost

Cann River– whole school bus network

Club Terrace – Cann River

Noorinbee North – Cann River

Sale - whole school bus network

Denison (10 – Sale

Loch sport – Sale

Riverslea – Sale

Briagalong – Sale

Giffard – Sale

Stratford – sale

Airlie – Sale

Paradise Beach – Sale

Seaspray – Sale

Cowwarr – Sale

Perry Bridge – Sale

Maffra (2) – Sale

Rainbow bridge – Sale

Heyfield – Sale

Denison - Nambrok West – Sale

Heyfield Tinamba – Sale

Coongulla – Newry – Sale

Rosedale – Longford – sale

Pearsondale – Sale

Valencia Creek – Sale

North Stratford – Sale

Munro – Sale

Rosedale – Sale

Darriman – Sale

Willung – Sale

Riverview Rd – Sale

Maffra - Montgomery - sale

Giffard West - Longford

Maffra - whole school bus network

Heyfield – Maffra

Briagalong – Boisdale – Maffra

Coongulla - Maffra

Heyfield – Maffra

Riverslea – Maffra

Briagalong – Maffra

Briagalong – Stratford – Maffra

Newry – Tinamba

Heyfield – Maffra

Stratford – Maffra

Stratford (2) Maffra

Nambrok

Nambrok West - Nambrok

Glengarry

Cairnbrook – Glengarry

Boisdale – whole school bus network

Coongulla – Boisdale

Tinamba – Boisdale

Llowalong – Boisdale

Mallacoota

Genoa- Mallacoota

Heyfield

Glenmaggie - Heyfield

Briagolong

Marathon Rd – Briagolong

Lakes Entrance – whole school bus network

Nowa Nowa – Lakes Entrance

Nungurner – Lakes Entrance

Metung – Lakes Entrance

Additional bus route closures (added to those announced yesterday for today)

There are eights rivers currently in flood in East Gippsland: six at major levels, one at moderate and one at minor.

Macalister River – major flood warning: Southern Rural Water is releasing more water from Lake Glenmaggie as inflows increase. The towns of Tinamba and Newry are on alert and are preparing and sandbagging their properties.

Thomson River – major flood warning: expected to peak tomorrow, depending on inflows.

Avon River – major flood warning: close to peaking at Stratford.

Mitchell River – major flooding and rapid stream rises in the Mitchell River catchment.

Expected to peak this afternoon at Rosehill. Could impact the Mitchell Gardens caravan park, the Princes Highway and possibly the bridge and houses along the river flats.

Snowy River – major flood warning: significant stream rises with areas of moderate to major levels expected to develop through Tuesday. River is rising at McKillops Bridge and at Orbost. It will peak at Jarrahmond within the next six hours.

Buchan River – exceeded major flood level this morning and further flooding expected. Has peaked at Buchan.

Tambo River – rural land and low lying roads and properties south of Bruthen are likely to be inundated as the river rises significantly with swift flowing water.

Significant stream rises are being experienced at Swifts Creek and Bruthen. Dargo River is at higher levels than in 1998 and still rising.

There is expected to be a significant rise in water levels across the Gippsland Lakes tonight and tomorrow as river waters flow into the system. Levels will reach major by midnight at Hollands Landing and Paynesville and at Lakes Entrance by lunchtime tomorrow.

Merrimans Creek south of Sale is rising significantly and has passed historic levels at Stradbroke.

The Cann and Genoa Rivers are at moderate and minor flood levels respectively.

Power is out from Nowa Nowa to the NSW border and at Buchan and Bullumwaal. SP Ausnet is working at restoring supply but access is difficult.

The Orbost aerodrome is closed due to trees and debris on the runway.

Buchan Caves Reserve is closed and the Cape Conran camping area is heavily impacted.

Macalister River – major flood warning: towns of Tinamba and Newry on alert as

Thomson River – major flood warning: at Coopers Creek has exceeded moderate flood level, at Cowwarr Weir has exceeded major flood level and at Wandocka is expected to exceed minor flood level.

Avon River – major flood warning: at the Channel and at Stratford has exceeded major flood level.

Mitchell River – major flooding and rapid stream rises in the Mitchell River catchment. No reading available for the Mitchell River in Bairnsdale but likely to have exceeded minor flood level and expected to reach major levels by late Tuesday.

Water is starting to move into the Wuk Wuk caravan park.

Snowy River – major flood warning: significant stream rises with areas of moderate to major levels expected to develop through Tuesday. River is rising at McKillops

Bridge and at Orbost. It will peak at Jarrahmond within the next six hours.

Buchan River – exceeded major flood level this morning and further flooding expected. Has peaked at Buchan.

Tambo River – rural land and low lying roads and properties south of Bruthen are likely to be inundated as the river rises significantly with swift flowing water.

Significant stream rises are being experienced at Swifts Creek and Bruthen.

Dargo River is at higher levels than in 1998 and still rising.

Flood levels have exceeded the 1998 levels at Swifts Creek and are continuing to rise.

SP Ausnet have located multiple faults and are attempting t reinstate power to the Newmerella substations. Crews are waiting to get access to areas east of Orbost. They are dealing with jobs as they come in.

The Orbost aerodrome is closed due to trees and debris on the runway.

Buchan Caves Reserve is closed and the Cape Conran camping area is heavily impacted. Check Parkweb on

www.parks.vic.gov.au for information on other park

impacts and closures.

A group of 15 people, including six secondary students has been escorted to safety from the Blue Pool camping area, north of Briagolong by Vic Police, SES and CFA.

S RW releases 57,000 megalitres of water from Lake Glenmaggie to maintain ‘airspace’ in the weir. Potential for higher releases.

12.15pm Update: South Gippsland Highway is now open.

East Gippsland Shire:

Due to power outages this morning, the East Gippsland Shire’s Aquatic and Recreation Centres in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance are currently closed and expected to re-open later today. The 11am performance of Peter Rabbit has been cancelled at the Forge Theatre in Bairnsdale.

East Gippsland Shire’s Mobile Library Service will not be operating today due to road and weather conditions.

South Gippsland Shire

Council Depot crews worked until 10 pm last night dealing with weather callouts. Up until 7am today there were 86 callouts including 30 water over the road issues, 47 fallen trees (reported ones, with many more found as the crews headed to other reported jobs) and 12 other road issues including slips, culvert collapse etc. There are 10 new road closures from this event.

Important information for people travelling to Monash University’s Gippsland campus

Due to heavy rain and localised flooding, many roads to Monash University’s Gippsland campus in Churchill have been closed.

People travelling to the campus are advised to allow additional time to complete their journey, and ensure they check the VicRoads website at http://alerts.vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest information on road closures.

Please note that student exams scheduled for today (5 June) will still go ahead. Students who are unable to make it to the campus because of road closures should contact their faculty immediately to discuss their situation and apply for special consideration. Contact details for all faculties at Gippsland are available at www.gippsland.monash.edu.au/contacts.html

Students who are affected by road closures can also advise us of their situation by contacting us on 03 5122 6011 or 03 9902 6011.